Royals July 26th Minors Recap

Omaha‘s three-game winning streak came to an end with a 5-1 loss in New Orleans. The Storm Chasers scored their lone run in the top of the first inning via Johnny Giavotella‘s solo homerun (he went 3-for-3 and fell a triple short of the cycle). The Storm Chasers only collected six hits, with five coming from Irving Falu and Gio (the top two in the order).

NW Arkansas ended their six-game losing streak by winning the finale against Tulsa, 3-2. The Naturals have won just four games in the month of July.

After watching the Drillers come back and tie the game in the top of the 8th inning, Yem Prades hit a solo homerun in the bottom of the inning with two outs to retake the lead. Juan Gutierrez retired the Drillers in order to pick up his second save.

Ryan Dennick‘s solid start was negated by the late inning comeback by Tulsa. He did not allow a run over 5.2 innings. He allowed three hits and two walks while striking out six.

Over the last two days, the Naturals have lost two players to retirement. Catcher Jason Kendall retired on Tuesday and first baseman John Whittleman retired on Wednesday. The Whittleman retirement allowed the Naturals to activate shortstop Christian Colon from the DL. He went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

The big story in Wilmington was the start by Frederick’s Dylan Bundy (and his curveball). Too bad the game was suspended with two outs in the bottom of the 3rd inning due to the thunderstorms that swept through the Northeast. The Blue Rocks had just one baserunner against Bundy, a walk by Geulin Beltre.

Matt Ridings started opposite Bundy and allowed two hits and a walk over three shutout innings. He struck out four. The game will be completed in Frederick when Wilmington travels there later in the season (the Keys do not return to Wilmington).

With over 7,000 fans in attendance, Kane County lost at home to Wisconsin, 4-0. Two Cougars errors in the Timber Rattlers three-run top of the 8th inning cost them two runs.

The KC Royals top pick in this June’s draft, Kyle Zimmer, made his first start for the Cougars, but unfortunately picked up the loss. He allowed one run on five hits over four innings. He struck out five. Fellow 2012 draft pick Andrew Triggs followed Zimmer with three scoreless innings of relief. He allowed just one hit while striking out five.

Bubba Watch: Bubba Starling went 1-for-4 with a two-run double with two outs in the top of the 2nd inning, as Burlington beat Pulaski, 9-2. The Royals had two 4-run innings.